Marking National Hedgerow Week 2026, alongside The Tree Council, CAFRE highlights the important role hedgerows play in agriculture, environmental protection and a resilient rural landscape.

Hedgerows are a long‑standing feature of Northern Ireland’s farms and continue to deliver practical benefits. Well managed hedges provide vital shelter for livestock, reduce wind exposure, protect soils and help slow water movement during periods of heavy rainfall. These functions support farm productivity while contributing to wider environmental goals.